At this point late in its life cycle, the styling of the Ford Explorer?a squared-off look that was clearly inspired by Range Rover?isn’t going to be seeing any big revisions. But Ford has given the SUV a few visual tweaks for 2018, along with some new tech features and a new option package that makes active-safety systems more accessible across the lineup.
Given that the Explorer received a comprehensive refresh for 2016, changes for the 2018 model are relatively minor and include a slightly different front grille design, a set of quad exhaust tips for the Sport trim level, four new color options, and new wheel designs across the lineup. You won’t spot any changes inside, but there is a newly available option for a 4G modem that enables a Wi-Fi hotspot?just like the 4G LTE hotspots included as standard in many General Motors vehicles. Presumably Ford will charge a subscription fee for data access, although it hasn’t released details yet.
A new Safe and Smart package bundles several active-safety features into a single option. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beams, and rain-sensing wipers?all features that were previously spread out across the Explorer lineup and often required expensive option packages. We don’t yet know how much it will cost, but this package will be offered on XLT, Limited, and Sport trim levels and will come s...